The 12th annual BioFlorida Celebration of Biotechnology recently took place on the grounds of RTI surgical at Progress Park and showed signs that the biotech industry could be on the rise in Gainesville. The Celebration added 14 more tables to this years show to help accommodate around 94 different companies.

Down the road on U.S. 441, construction on the first four buildings in Foundation Park was under way, providing lots of new space for growing biotech companies. There is also construction under way for a 165,000 square-foot Nanotherapeutics manufacturing facility west of Progress Park. CEO of BioFlorida believes total industry growth is statewide, providing a statistic stating the number of biotech companies researching in Florida rose 93% in six years. Just this past year, companies from California and India have expanded into the state of Florida. It’s believed that biotech businesses have finally figured out a good place to do business in Florida.

The director of UF’s office of technology licensing is confident that the new foundation park will provide more space for local companies, “holding them here instead of bleeding jobs out of the community”. Developers involved in Progress Park have accelerated the biotech industry after a lackluster start to the development. Having these companies in these parks is important because it promotes the whole economy, as companies need other people’s services to conduct business. Special adviser to the university president, Win Phillips credits Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce for its economical development and its cooperation with UF to help grow the community as a whole.

Virginia is a graduate from the University of Florida's College of Design Construction and Planning with a degree in Sustainability and the Built Environment, and a minor in Urban Regional Planning. Virginia joined the Front Street team in 2011, as an intern. Upon graduation, Virginia joined the Front Street team full-time as the Director of Client Services. Ms. MacKoul’s addition furthers Front Street’s continued growth and expansion within Gainesville and other North Central Florida markets. She was promoted to Director of Marketing in 2014 and now manages the firm’s team of interns and oversees all marketing and branding activity. Virginia was born in Boston and moved to Lee County, Florida in 1997. Virginia graduated her high school's International Baccalaureate program and started at the University of Florida with a focus on Architecture. Virginia shares Front Street's passion of giving back to the community and those in need. Virginia's hobbies include photography, cooking, football, movies, music, and spending time with her dog, Brinkley.

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August is already here! We're pleased to share all that this year has brought. We wanted to take a moment to reflect on all you've helped us accomplish this year. This month also marks 15 years for Front Street Commercial Real Estate Group. Thanks so much to all of our clients, friends, family, and fans for all of the support over the years. We couldn't have done it without you! Here's to 15 more years and many more! Here's a few of our announcements, featured listings, most recent closings, top news stories for the month, and upcoming events!

Seeing all the growth, development, and new concepts arising in Tallahassee can provide endless opportunities for small businesses and large businesses alike. How will your company adapt and expand within the rapid growth and changes in the market? Front Street is here to help you with all of your commercial real estate needs. Our mission is to impact our community, clients, and industry by doing commercial real estate differently.

Here at Front Street, we consistently strive to bring new restaurants and new-to-market concepts into the areas we do business. Whether it is finding a location for a new business, or finding another location for a growing business, we always work to provide the best quality service to our clients!